I've voted in every election since my 21st birthday. But I'd never worked the polls until this year. Four classes, a 100-page manual, 16 days of primary, presidential candidates and daily shifts of eight hours, 12 hours and even 14 hours of early and scheduled voting. It was a learning experience.
The polls opened at 7 a.m. sharp. But before that official opening every day, the collection of 14 to 20 workers – many of whom were neighbors who had not met before – are called together, raise their right hands and swear to uphold the election oath. Truthfully, I didn't know there was an election oath. But the enormity and solemnity of doing that ritual every day was impactful.
Memories of my poll dance remain:
• Shockingly, scores of voters who appeared to be older than 50 said that this was the first time they had voted. Ever
• Voters who are growing up in the digital age all knew how to use the touch screen. Many of their parents did not
• When 18-year-olds (or their parents) announced this was their first time voting, everyone on the team applauded and cheered
• One woman took her three children in the booth with her for the experience. They all got “I Voted” stickers. They loved them
• Two 99-year-old women voted and proudly let us know their ages. One man over 100 did too
• Four voters actually took a flash photo while inside the booth. I never asked why
• One voter, after entering the booth said, "Who are these people?” referring to the ballot screen. Respectfully, I offered, “Candidates?" "Really? came the reply.
The days doing the poll dance left quite an impression with me. Our election team – from our chief leader to our judges – all were professionals and dedicated to do the right thing. Their commitment and the security built into the election process and equipment was outstanding. Throughout our work, each of us as election officials had to sign our name to testify to the pledge of the oath, and to the paperwork reports from poll books and booths to underscore the sanctity of voting.
It must have impressed some folks. We gave hundreds of those stickers out. Only three people refused them, and just one man crumpled it up and dropped it on the floor as he left.
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